Nonprofit Sued for Its Name

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Nonprofit Sued for Its Name

Trademark Infringement/Unfair Competition

A nonprofit organization that provides shelter and adoption services for animals was sued by a humane shelter alleging that the organization infringed upon its name. The lawsuit claimed both the organization and the shelter had thesame potential donor base and the similarity of the two organizations’ names caused confusion within the community. During the litigation, the shelter was ableto demonstrate some confusion between the names within the community. The matter settled with the nonprofit organization agreeing to change its name. Defense costs totaled $110,000.